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Premier League race for Europa: chasing the ‘big 6’

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Claude Puel, Manager of Leicester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City takes on Andy Robertson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester City at Anfield on December 30, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

Leicester’s momentum

Claude Puel’s tactical transformation has taken Leicester’s champions and new signings toward their dizzying heights of 2015/16. Puel finished eighth with Southampton in 2016/7, yet was sacked for his efforts.

The Foxes now employ a passing style while retaining a vicious counter-attack. Beginning with improving distribution from Kasper Schmeichel. This often moves through ‘bargain buy’ at 17 million pounds, Harry Maguire.

Maguire has even been compared to German World Cup winning Sweeper, Franz Beckenbauer. He is almost certain to be part of Gareth Southgate’s England plans in Russia. This style has helped get match-winner Riyad Mahrez on the ball more often. Not to mention helping to acclimatise young stars like Wilfred Ndidi. Ndidi has had more time to focus on winning the ball, a category in which he leads the league.

Leicester ironic incentive to finish seventh, they are coincidently the seventh richest team in the UK. If money is key to keeping Jamie Vardy, Schmeichel, Mahrez and Maguire: then it should be spent! Still leading line is International striker Vardy. His goal tally is a healthy 10 so far, yet he’ll want to at least double that by May.

Too much activity in the transfer market could easily derail the momentum. The squad has a rapport with many experienced Champions still remaining. Swansea, Stoke, Bournemouth, then West Brom are next up for Leicester: three wins there would give them my vote for seventh place.

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